Air charter for tour operators: flight series ACMI and wet lease 

In a tourism market marked by strong seasonality and constant margin pressure, controlling air transport represents a strategic lever for tour operators. The ability to offer flights adapted to periods of high demand while maintaining a competitive business model often relies on a specific solution: tour operator air charter. 

For decades, charter flight series have enabled travel producers to secure aircraft capacity, open new destinations, and optimize operational costs. Faced with the evolution of the European air market, marked by airline consolidation and reduction of certain regular routes, charter has become an essential management tool for production teams. 

Whether it is a complete seasonal program, a one off requirement, or a technical wet lease, tour operators now seek partners who can provide expertise, flexibility, and operational security. This is precisely the role of an inter airline charter specialist like Avico. 

Why tour operators need a charter broker 

Flexibility compared to regular flights 

Regular flights follow a commercial logic driven by airlines, often far from the specific needs of tour operators. Fixed schedules, limited capacity, and fluctuating fares can make constructing a coherent travel package difficult. 

Charter allows the tour operator to regain control of air transport. Schedules are tailored to the package requirements, rotations adapt to stay durations, and capacity is calibrated according to actual demand. 

This flexibility becomes particularly strategic on leisure destinations where synchronization between flights and accommodation directly affects program profitability. 

Cost optimization on seasonal series 

A well structured charter program allows better control of unit costs per seat. By securing capacity over several months, the tour operator gains financial visibility and fare stability often impossible with regular seat blocks. 

The economic model relies on rotation pooling and occupancy optimization. In many cases, a tour operator charter series becomes more cost competitive than gradually purchasing seats from commercial airlines. 

Access to underserved destinations 

Some high potential tourist destinations do not have sufficient regular service. Charter opens exclusive markets by providing direct access from regional airports. 

This route development capability represents a major competitive advantage for tour operators aiming to differentiate their offering. 

Charter solutions adapted to tour operators 

Seasonal flight series summer and winter 

The most common solution remains the implementation of seasonal flight programs. Flights operate weekly or multiple times per week during a defined period, generally aligned with tourist seasons. 

Summer programs primarily target Mediterranean beach destinations while winter programs focus on long haul sun or snow destinations. 

This model optimizes aircraft utilization while ensuring commercial continuity. 

Back to back flights and optimized rotations 

Back to back rotations involve connecting multiple destinations with the same aircraft to maximize daily use. This reduces operational costs and improves overall program profitability. 

Precise planning of rotation times and airport slots is essential to ensure smooth program execution. 

ACMI: Aircraft Crew Maintenance Insurance 

The ACMI model is particularly suitable for tour operators. The operating airline provides the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance while the tour operator retains commercial control of the program. 

ACMI leasing offers high operational flexibility while limiting technical risks for the client and allows rapid capacity adjustments according to seasonal demand. 

Wet lease versus dry lease: which to choose 

Wet lease includes all operational elements required to operate the aircraft. Dry lease refers only to aircraft rental without crew. 

For tour operators, wet lease is usually preferred as it greatly simplifies operational and regulatory management. The choice depends on the desired level of integration and available internal resources. 

How to set up a charter flight program with Avico 

Defining the flight program 

The first step is to define the program in detail. Destinations, frequencies, operational periods, and required capacity are analyzed to construct a coherent operational plan. 

This strategic phase allows anticipating demand and optimizing profitability from the design stage. 

Sourcing airlines and aircraft 

Through its extensive international network, Avico identifies operators able to meet program requirements. Aircraft selection depends on distance, capacity, and economic performance. 

An Airbus A320 often serves as a reference for medium haul charter programs due to its balance between capacity and operating cost. 

Pricing negotiation and contracting 

Negotiation is a key step. Financial terms, operational clauses, and performance guarantees are defined to secure the program throughout its duration. 

Avico’s expertise ensures conditions adapted to charter market realities. 

Operational management and program follow up 

Once flights are launched, operational follow up is essential. Coordination with airlines, schedule modifications, and daily supervision guarantee program continuity. 

This ongoing management is one of the main advantages of working with a specialist capable of chartering a commercial aircraft within a structured framework. 

Optimizing profitability of your tour operator charters 

Maximize occupancy 

Profitability depends primarily on occupancy rate. Analysis of historical data, dynamic stock management, and capacity adjustments optimize commercial performance. 

Close collaboration between production teams and airline partners facilitates these adjustments. 

Co chartering and capacity sharing 

Co chartering allows several tour operators to share capacity on the same flight. This approach reduces commercial risk while maintaining attractive frequency on the route. 

It also enables opening new routes that would be difficult to sustain individually. 

Managing cancellations and unforeseen events 

Air transport is subject to operational hazards. Weather, technical constraints, or regulatory changes can impact a program. 

An experienced charter partner implements contingency solutions including aircraft substitution or rotation reorganization to minimize commercial impact. 

Avico: partner of tour operators since 1996 

European leader in inter airline charter 

Since 1996, Avico has established itself as a major player in inter airline charter in Europe. This specialization enables support for tour operators implementing complex flight programs requiring in depth technical expertise. 

The company operates both seasonal programs and ad hoc requirements. 

Network of over 200 partner airlines 

With an international network covering more than 150 countries, Avico can quickly identify solutions tailored to each tourism market. This diversity offers high flexibility in aircraft choice and configuration. 

Tour operators benefit from expanded access to the global air market. 

Dedicated support 

Each charter program is managed by a dedicated account manager, coordinating between the tour operator, airline, and operational partners. 

This personalized approach anticipates commercial and operational challenges throughout the program. 

Tourism professionals can also explore travel agency solutions offered by Avico to integrate air transport into a broader production strategy. 

To evaluate a project or structure a new tour operator flight series, you can contact specialized teams or request a quote to assess feasibility. 

FAQ Air charter for tour operators 

What is the lead time to set up a charter flight series?

Typically two to three months for a complete seasonal program. This lead time can be reduced if aircraft capacity is immediately available. 

How much does a seasonal charter flight cost for a tour operator?

Cost depends on aircraft type, route, and flight frequency. On standard charter routes, prices can be 30 to 50 percent lower than purchasing seat blocks on regular flights. 

Can a single flight be chartered instead of a full series?

Yes. Avico organizes both one off flights and complete seasonal programs according to tour operator needs. 

What happens if a flight must be cancelled?

Contingency solutions are contractually planned, including aircraft replacement, rerouting, or cancellation under defined terms. 

Can Avico source aircraft for exotic destinations?

Yes. Avico’s international network allows operations in over 150 countries and solutions even for poorly served destinations. 

In a market where seasonality and operational efficiency are critical, air charter for tour operators ensures flexibility, cost optimization, and access to exclusive destinations. 

With over 25 years of experience, a network of more than 200 partner airlines, and dedicated account management, Avico supports tour operators in designing flight programs, securing aircraft, and managing operations from start to finish. 

👉 Discuss your tour operator charter program
Contact our team to request a quote and evaluate the feasibility of your next flight series.